No.4 Hard Start/Long Crank/Erratic Start/Erratic Crank: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NO.4 HARD START/LONG CRANK/ERRATIC START/ERRATIC CRANK [BP, BP WITH TC] DESCRIPTION & POSSIBLE CAUSE

4	Hard start/long crank/erratic start/erratic crank
DESCRIPTION	Starter cranks engine at normal speed but engine requires excessive cranking time before starting. Battery is in normal condition.
POSSIBLE CAUSE	Spark leakage from high-tension leads Vacuum leakage Poor fuel quality Starting system malfunction Spark plug malfunction Air leakage from intake-air system Erratic signal from CKP sensor Erratic signal from CMP sensor ACL restriction IAC valve malfunction PCV valve malfunction Inadequate fuel pressure Purge solenoid valve malfunction MAF sensor contamination Restriction in exhaust system EGR valve malfunction Immobilizer system activation Variable valve timing system malfunction WARNING: The following troubleshooting flow chart contains the fuel system diagnosis and repair procedures. Read the following warnings before performing the fuel system services: Fuel vapor is hazardous. It can easily ignite, causing serious injury and damage. Always keep sparks and flames away from fuel. Fuel line spills and leakage are dangerous. Fuel can ignite and cause serious injuries or death and damage. Fuel can also irritate skin and eyes. To prevent this, always complete "BEFORE SERVICE PRECAUTION" and "AFTER SERVICE PRECAUTION". (See BEFORE SERVICE PRECAUTION ) (See AFTER SERVICE PRECAUTION ) CAUTION: Disconnecting/connecting quick release connector without cleaning it may possibly cause damage to fuel pipe and quick release connector. Always clean quick release connector joint area before disconnecting/connecting, and make sure that it is free of foreign material.

Hard start/long crank/erratic start/erratic crank

DESCRIPTION

Starter cranks engine at normal speed but engine requires excessive cranking time before starting.
Battery is in normal condition.

POSSIBLE CAUSE

Spark leakage from high-tension leads
Vacuum leakage
Poor fuel quality
Starting system malfunction
Spark plug malfunction
Air leakage from intake-air system
Erratic signal from CKP sensor
Erratic signal from CMP sensor
ACL restriction
IAC valve malfunction
PCV valve malfunction
Inadequate fuel pressure
Purge solenoid valve malfunction
MAF sensor contamination
Restriction in exhaust system
EGR valve malfunction
Immobilizer system activation
Variable valve timing system malfunction
WARNING:
- The following troubleshooting flow chart contains the fuel system diagnosis and repair procedures. Read the following warnings before performing the fuel system services:
  - Fuel vapor is hazardous. It can easily ignite, causing serious injury and damage. Always keep sparks and flames away from fuel.
  - Fuel line spills and leakage are dangerous. Fuel can ignite and cause serious injuries or death and damage. Fuel can also irritate skin and eyes. To prevent this, always complete "BEFORE SERVICE PRECAUTION" and "AFTER SERVICE PRECAUTION".
    (See BEFORE SERVICE PRECAUTION )
    
    (See AFTER SERVICE PRECAUTION )
CAUTION:
- Disconnecting/connecting quick release connector without cleaning it may possibly cause damage to fuel pipe and quick release connector. Always clean quick release connector joint area before disconnecting/connecting, and make sure that it is free of foreign material.